Surround Spectacular! [2 Discs

The Dolby logo alone should raise a few eyebrows for people who are home theater savvy because Dolby Labs no longer uses it. It was used in the days when the best Dolby Surround equipment consumers had were THX-certified Dolby Pro-Logic processors. The CD was first released in 1995 through the now defunct Stereo Review Magazine. It represented a joint collaboration between Delos and Stereo Review's David Ranada (where the hell is he now???). Delos provided musical excerpts as demos on the first CD as well as any necessary narration for test tones and pink noise on the second CD.

Disc 1 contains a compilation of abbreviated songs that were either unaltered or somewhat altered (to augment the Left-minus-Right signal that feeds the rear surround channels). Provided that listeners properly set-up their surround system according to the test signals of disc 2, these demos were used to convey the relative size of the original recording venues and highlight the subtle (and sometimes obvious) reverberation of the music. Some of these excerpts are quite good, especially the choral works and the pipe organ music. I normally don't listen to this type of music on the CD but I find it very pleasant and somewhat addictive because of the natural sound quality.

Disc 2 contains noise and test tones that allow listeners to properly adjust their subwoofer crossovers, levels, and phase while also properly positioning or locating their speakers (and subwoofer) and setting their levels to obtain the most accurate frequency (tonal) response. Although you can make adjustments by ear, as one reviewer suggested, it is more accurate to use a sound level meter/microphone such as one that Stereo Review and other publications commonly recommend (widely available at your local Radio Shack stores). Of course, if you want to save a few pennies, just use your ears.

The ability to help listeners make adjustments alone still makes this old CD release as relevant today as it was back in 1995. But if you happened to update your surround system from the old analog-based matrix Dolby Surround receiver, amplifier or processor to the newer Dolby Pro Logic IIx or IIz types, you're in for a treat. With both of these newer types of Dolby Surround decoders you'll hear distinct sounds originating separately from the left and right surround channels in a very convincing manner. You'll swear that the recordings were done using discrete rear channels rather than matrixed channels. If you're using the IIz type, you'll also hear tall frontal images.

This release is a real gem and is in my permanent collection.

This is an essential disc for setting up any modern stereo/surround sound system or home theater. It has test signals on it that no other disc has, and can tell you instantly which modes of your receiver are most effective and how to set everything up. You do it by listening, which is the best way to be sure of the final results.

Dolby Surround - Surround Spectacular - The Music / The Tests
I am happy with the product and was also happy with the delivery time.